Dynamics and plasma properties of an X-ray jet from SUMER, EIS, XRT and EUVI A & B simultaneous observations

M.S. Madjarska

Fig. 3. Sequence of XRT difference images with over-plotted stars which indicate the moments of energy release.

Context. Small-scale transient phenomena in the quiet Sun are believed to play an important role in coronal heating and solar wind generation. One of them named as "X-ray jet" is the subject of our study.

Aims. We intend to investigate the dynamics, evolution and physical properties of this phenomenon.

Methods. We combine spatially and temporally multi-instrument observations obtained simultaneously with the SUMER spectrometer onboard SoHO, EIS and XRT onboard Hinode, and EUVI/SECCHI onboard the Ahead and Behind STEREO spacecrafts. We derive plasma parameters such as temperatures and densities as well as dynamics by using spectral lines formed in the temperature range from 10 000 K to 12 MK. We also use image difference technique to investigate the evolution of the complex structure of the studied phenomenon.

Results. With the available unique combination of data we were able to establish that the formation of a jet-like event is triggered by not one but several energy depositions which are most probably originating from magnetic reconnection. Each energy deposition is followed by the expulsion of pre-existing or new reconnected loops and/or collimated flow along open magnetic field lines. We derived in great detail the dynamic process of X-ray jet formation and evolution. We also found for the first time spectroscopically in the quiet Sun a temperature of 12 MK and density of 4 †× 10¹⁰ cm^òÈÒ3 in a reconnection site. We raise an issue concerning an uncertainty in using the SUMER Mg x 624.9 Å line for coronal diagnostics. We clearly identified two types of up-flow: one collimated up-flow along open magnetic field lines and a plasma cloud formed from the expelled BP loops. We also report a cooler down-flow along closed magnetic field lines. A comparison is made with a model developed by Moreno-Insertis et al. (2008).

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Last Revised: 2010 August 2nd